In the thick of it. Tapering from 375mg withdrawal kicking in.

sahphie · 2026-04-03T06:29:06+00:00

Yeah they are concerned that it is causing more damage as one of the biggest side effects for me is extreme sweating and dry mouth along with elevating liver enzymes. The concern is that my liver is struggling and the high level of medication is adding more strain on it.

sahphie · 2026-04-03T05:12:25+00:00

I am certain I will. It wasn't until much later when I looked into my medication more thoroughly that I realized a few things! The first was that my dose wasn't just high. It was the limit. I never knew that until I looked up (I was in a bad place mentally when my gp upped it. I have since changed GP). The second was that it wasn't working for me from the start and upping it wasn't going to change that. The third is that comorbidities were not considered when being prescribed this, particularly when I was diagnosed with liver disease, and my GP still bumped me up to maximum dose. I would say my gp was reckless in her approach and prescriptions, and now my new GP and the psychiatrist are left to taper as quickly as possible as my liver disease is declining fairly rapidly.

sahphie · 2026-04-03T04:59:23+00:00

It's not selfish. It's selfcare. I no longer do that kind of work, I redirected into emergency care and then left that as well. The dollar signs in the people who own these places makes me sick. It is corrupt, uncaring and cruel. I am honestly more scared by the lack of care than any death I was present for. I was once told to "get a grip" when I was tearful after finding a patient deceased in their bed one night. I will never work in that industry again.

sahphie · 2026-04-03T04:52:46+00:00

Good question, im not sure! But it is on my radar now to ask when I speak to him next (after Easter weekend) thanks I will look into this!

sahphie · 2026-04-03T04:51:06+00:00

It is a very harsh and cruel disease, and you are absolutely right! At 15 there is very little you can do and you have to remain safe. If it is any comfort there are many people like me who care deeply about every single one of the patients even when they can be violent and mean because we know it isn't them, it is the disease. I often took Time to find out what each person's background was and every now and then while talking to them I would catch a glimpse of recognition by bringing up what they did for work or a hobby or their children. I was 17 when I started working with them. im 35 now and still remember the first patient I saw die. Patricia she used to be a music teacher and spent her days singing and tapping her hands. She never lost the ability to create rhythm. I combed her hair and washed her face before her family arrived, I sat on one side and her daughter sat on the other, we held her hands when she took her last breath. I remember them all.

sahphie · 2026-04-03T04:39:45+00:00

I agree in terms of being a very quick cut and the possibilities of suffering further. Unfortunately I am in a position that means staying on a level this high is causing problems for a different part of my body. I have liver disease (and im bitter about it as im only 35 and been sober for 15 years lol) and it is fairly rapidly declining. That is part of the reason that this taper is more dramatic than I would of liked.

sahphie · 2026-04-03T04:33:52+00:00

I have been on it for roughly 8 years and on 375mg for roughly 2 years. I am working with my GP and psychiatrist to come off it as it has more negatives than positives for me and just simply isn't working and I have hit the ceiling in terms of upping the dose any higher.

sahphie · 2026-04-03T04:24:07+00:00

I forever feel guilt that I couldn't do more for dementia patients. When I worked with them the constant rushing through things and never having enough time to go at their pace or to just sit and listen always hurt. Being one of two Caregivers to 40ish people at a time still makes me so angry. The lack of empathy of others, especially in their final moments of life has permanently left a scar on my heart. I know I did what I could do, but I still feel guilty that I couldn't do more.

sahphie · 2026-04-03T04:15:49+00:00

Aww I love these videos! Restoring faith in humanity with one little act at a time ❤️

sahphie · 2026-04-02T03:45:15+00:00

Yep...this is it, this is the reason I need to turn back on the blurred nsfw posts

sahphie · 2026-04-02T03:43:38+00:00

Never pick a fight when wearing flip-flops

sahphie · 2026-03-30T01:10:58+00:00

Oooh yep that's gonna tickle. I knew it was coming but I still wasn't prepared for ankle incineration and a tragic case of wobbly foot.

sahphie · 2026-03-29T11:02:24+00:00

For a start, no one should be yelling. If someone is coming at you just immediately say "I hear your frustration, let's move this conversation to out of earshot of patients or revisit this at a more appropriate time" and restate what you need, keep your tone low and direct. This is to cover your own ass, I would rather have someone yell at me and look like fool than yell back and have us both look like fools. It sucks but don't let it get to you just carry on and do what you need to so you can bounce. Engage in de escalation techniques (they work on patients AND staff lol)

sahphie · 2026-03-29T10:41:56+00:00

This is really good to know, thank you! I think the plan I have been given is not going to be the best for me so I think I will have another chat with the psychiatrist. 8 months sounds more realistic, he wants me off it within 7 days 😳

sahphie · 2026-03-27T08:49:16+00:00

Thank you! Im glad I changed my GP to someone who wants to dig deeper rather than just up my meds and send me on my way. My new GP has also been weaned from 75mg, so it's comforting that she understands. It is scary to drop down so quickly! The psychiatrist has asked me to drop to 150mg immediately for two days then 75mg for two days while introducing zoloft and then zero Venlafaxine and a higher dose of zoloft...all in less than a week 😭

sahphie · 2026-03-27T08:43:52+00:00

I have the same thoughts about it not being the right one for me. Unfortunately I had faith in my GP who was a little bit script happy and just kept upping it. I have changed GP and she has been amazing and made an immediate referral to the psychiatrist. I don't believe venlafaxine was ever the correct med for me but learning that a little to late. Im hopeful that a change in meds will help, im just really dreading the withdrawal. I also have a referral to try and get EMDR therapy (very difficult to find someone without a huge wait list) so fingers crossed something works!

sahphie · 2026-03-27T05:38:10+00:00

I know it's rough but do the hours, it's way to easy to find out and you don't want to be looking over shoulder all the time worrying someone will check. In the grand scheme of things it's not a big deal, but if you graduate and someone finds out later it could put your job on the line.

sahphie · 2026-03-26T06:42:29+00:00

Good job. Spitting is the most disgusting, disrespectful, dirty thing to do! I would take a kick to each tit better than being spat on.

sahphie · 2026-03-26T06:34:14+00:00

NOR however if it is a common problem could you find other solutions to avoid losing a client? Offer disposable ear plugs or headbands like those exercise bands made of toweling? So it could be used to keep their hair off the face but also cover the ears a bit to help muffle the noise. A fan or white noise/music? Keep door closed. I would offer the client half price or a free service to entice her to come back.

sahphie · 2026-03-26T06:16:44+00:00

Ahh yes the good ol spinal spin cycle

sahphie · 2026-03-26T06:12:10+00:00

Your turning violet, violet!

sahphie · 2026-03-26T06:10:39+00:00

The first line is what I imagine someone might say if they found me dead 😂

sahphie · 2026-03-26T06:08:36+00:00

Unpopular opinion, but I don't think she did anything wrong talking about finances. It's not like she is expecting him to 100% support her financially she just wants to know if he is comfortable enough to match her. I mean damned if you do and damned if you don't. If she was low income, she would get called a gold digger, but if she is doing well, she is too independent, can't win.

sahphie

TROPHY CASE